Startup company Jekta Aviation has unveiled the PHA-ZE 100, its new all-electric 19-seater seaplane. The plane will offer zero emissions and can be fully recharged in just 45 minutes. Let’s take a closer look below.
Introducing the PHA-ZE 100
The Swiss startup revealed details of its new seaplane at the Abu Dhabi Air Expo this month. The PHA-ZE 100, which stands for Passenger Hydro Aircraft Zero Emissions, will offer a range of up to 94 miles (150 km) and a cruising speed of 135 knots (250 km/h).
Designed for flight connections “between oceanside communities and those with access to suitable rivers and lakes,” the electric aircraft will be capable of carrying 19 passengers (and 3 crew) with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of around 19,000 lbs.
Jekta Aviation said,
“The use of a new electric seaplane will create a segment of sustainable transport mobility for the population living in megacities and small settlements located on the coast of the seas and oceans, connect islands, and preserve the unique nature of wildlife sanctuaries that have become popular as tourists’ attractions.”
The PHA-ZE 100 was designed in partnership with Italian company MBVision. Jekta Aviation has also struck an agreement with Swiss Aeropole, an aerospace technology park in Payerne, Switzerland, to develop a production facility for the new seaplane.
Sustainable flying
Perhaps the biggest appeal of the PHA-ZE 100 will be its zero-emission capability as an all-electric vehicle. The plane will be fueled by 10 electric battery blocks chargeable inside 45 minutes, but can be retrofitted with green hydrogen fuel cells once the technology is available.
George Alafinov, CEO of Jekta Switzerland, said,
“The solution is in front of us: instead of building airports with devastating irreversible environmental impact, we can use nature’s gift of oceans, lakes and rivers to create an affordable transport system using amphibian aviation. Today’s seaplane market offers outdated solutions that are heavy on emissions, uncomfortable and extremely costly.”
The production facility itself will also incorporate sustainable features, including solar power panels and geothermal walls.
End-of-decade entry
Jekta Aviation is seeking funding for its new aircraft and doesn’t plan on completing a prototype until 2026 at the earliest. Should all proceed according to plan, production and entry-of-service could be realized as early as 2028-2029.
The entire project will cost an estimated €280 million ($279m), which includes the development of its high-tech production facility in Switzerland. The aircraft can be configured in several layouts, including 19 economy seats, a 4-seater VIP plane with a living room, and even an ambulance with medical bays.
Swiss firm Jekta Aviation claims to possess over 20 years of industry experience designing amphibious aircraft, although the company itself was founded two years ago. It has projected global demand for amphibious aircraft by the end of the decade will exceed 400 planes, with particular demand in India, Indonesia, Brazil and the Philippines.
